What Is an ESA Letter?
An emotional support animal (ESA) letter is a document from a licensed mental health provider stating that you have a diagnosed mental health condition and that an emotional support animal is part of your treatment plan. Under the Fair Housing Act, this letter allows you to live with your ESA in housing that otherwise restricts pets -- without paying pet deposits or pet rent.
ESA letters are not prescriptions. They are clinical recommendations based on a real evaluation. We do not sell letters -- we evaluate whether an ESA is clinically appropriate for you.
How the Evaluation Works
You must complete a psychiatric evaluation with us first. During that evaluation, we assess your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment plan. If your clinical picture supports an emotional support animal as a meaningful part of your care, we write the letter. If it does not, we will be honest about that and focus on what will actually help.
This is not a rubber stamp process. Landlords and housing authorities are increasingly pushing back on ESA letters from online mills. A letter from a provider who has actually evaluated you carries more weight.
What to Expect
The ESA evaluation is part of your overall psychiatric care -- not a separate appointment. Once your evaluation is complete and the clinical basis is established, the letter can typically be provided within a few days. The letter is valid for one year and can be renewed at follow-up visits.
Insurance and Payment
The psychiatric evaluation itself is covered by most insurance plans. The ESA letter may involve an additional fee. We accept Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Health First Colorado (Medicaid). Cash pay is also available.
Who Qualifies
You may qualify for an ESA letter if you have a diagnosed mental health condition -- such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or another qualifying diagnosis -- and your provider determines that an emotional support animal would provide meaningful clinical benefit. You do not need to have a specific type of animal or breed. The key is the clinical relationship between your condition and the animal's support role.